Rangers legend Ally McCoist has made a bold claim that Rangers will clinch the Scottish Premiership Football League (SPFL) title in the 2025-26 season, asserting that Celtic are not inherently superior to their Old Firm rivals. McCoist’s optimism hinges on the impending takeover by new owners and strategic squad strengthening, which he believes will propel Rangers to surpass Celtic and dominate Scottish football. His prediction has sparked debate among fans and pundits, given Celtic’s recent dominance, but McCoist’s reasoning is rooted in Rangers’ potential and the shifting dynamics at Ibrox.
McCoist, a Rangers icon with a storied history at the club, argues that the gap between Rangers and Celtic is not as wide as recent results suggest. Celtic have secured the SPFL title for four consecutive seasons, including a commanding 2024-25 campaign where they finished 17 points ahead of Rangers. Despite this, McCoist insists that Celtic’s superiority is not insurmountable. “Celtic are not that much better than Rangers,” he reportedly stated, pointing to Rangers’ competitive performances in European competitions, such as strong showings against Malmö and in Athens, as evidence of their underlying quality. He believes that with the right adjustments, Rangers can close the domestic gap.
Central to McCoist’s prediction is the anticipated impact of Rangers’ new ownership. The club is on the verge of a takeover led by Andrew Cavenagh and associates linked to the San Francisco 49ers, which promises significant financial backing and a fresh strategic vision. McCoist has emphasized that improved recruitment is critical, describing Rangers’ past transfer business as “diabolical.” The new owners are expected to prioritize quality signings, particularly in defense and attack, to address the team’s vulnerabilities. Rangers’ 2024-25 season was marred by defensive frailties and an inability to compete consistently, but McCoist is confident that targeted reinforcements will transform the squad into title contenders.
McCoist also highlights the psychological edge Rangers must regain. He has previously noted that Celtic approach Old Firm derbies with belief, while Rangers have been “hoping” rather than expecting to win. The new ownership’s investment in a high-caliber manager—McCoist has endorsed names like Frank Lampard or a returning Steven Gerrard—could instill the necessary mentality. A manager with a proven track record, combined with a bolstered squad, could shift the momentum in Rangers’ favor.
While Celtic remain formidable under Brendan Rodgers, with a prolific attack that scored 102 goals in the 2024-25 Premiership, McCoist believes Rangers’ potential outweighs Celtic’s current dominance. By strengthening key areas and leveraging new ownership, Rangers can challenge for the title. McCoist’s prediction is a rallying cry for fans, urging them to believe that with the right moves, Rangers are “good to win it all” in 2025-26. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see if his vision becomes reality.
